Woo Hoo! June the 23rd at the Harris Theater on Liberty Avenue. Really weird too, because when Danny and I would go to Eides in Pittsburgh we walked past this theater. Here's a short review from the Harris Theater page of upcoming movies:

Opens June 23 at the Harris Theater:The Devil and Daniel JohnstonManic-depressive singer/songwriter Daniel Johnston turned his demons loose in his art and music and watched his fame rise to international cult status. As a teenager growing up in a religious family, he recorded his thoughts and stories onto cassette tapes, directed Super-8 films starring himself, and created expressive comic book-style drawings – all held together by the powerful struggle between good and evil. After a move to Texas, Johnston recorded folk songs on a series of homemade, lo-fi cassettes, which he handed out free to fans, friends and journalists in the early '80s. With the help of a timely break and the thriving Austin music scene, he managed to become a minor celebrity (Matt Groening sometimes sports a Daniel Johnston T-shirt). His haunting work would reach other troubled souls like Kurt Cobain and Sonic Youth. This brilliant documentary illustrates how Johnston's musical gift is virtually inseparable from his illness. Director Jeff Feuerzeig has woven together a marvelous tapestry of a tormented talent. The film becomes a deeply moving parable about the mystery of creativity, madness, and unconditional parental love. (Directed by Jeff Feuerzeig; USA; 2006; 110 min)

I found the observation "...other troubled souls like Kurt Cobain and Sonic Youth" interesting. I had no idea Sonic Youth were troubled! In fact, I'd say they are quite a stable bunch of very nice folks.

Just got back from the Harris Theater in Pittsburgh and my first viewing of "The Devil and Daniel Johnston". Wow! One of the most incredible viewing experiences I've ever had. Man did this movie bring back memories, both good and bad. I have sooooo many things about it that I want to comment on that I'm first going to let the whole experience sink in before posting some of my insights. One thing I was soooo very happy to see though was how well Bill and Mabel looked. They've both been through so much and yet are still such a lovely couple. Love ya Bill and Mabel!! And Dick, you haven't aged a day!

Like I said, I spotted quite a few things I want to share with you all from the movie. And I will, oh boy will I!!!!!

I just got off the phone with Bill, Mabel and Danny and had a wonderful chat. I was telling Bill that the person I went to the movie with freaked when they ran the home movie when Danny is dressed up like Mable. Seems this lifelong friend of Danny's was the one running the camera for it. And for the one scene that you see Danny and Mable's arm, that was the friends arm and Mabel was running the camera. Now how cool is that?

I just got off the phone with Bill, Mabel and Danny and had a wonderful chat. I was telling Bill that the person I went to the movie with freaked when they ran the home movie when Danny is dressed up like Mable. Seems this lifelong friend of Danny's was the one running the camera for it. And for the one scene that you see Danny and Mable's arm, that was the friends arm and Mabel was running the camera. Now how cool is that?

it's only been in the last 6 months maybe that i've even heard of daniel johnston, and since the first comic-culture-saturated marker drawings i saw, i have been curious about him. last week i casually mentioned his drawings to a friend over the phone and was so excited to hear that there was a documentary about him.

bless his heart, i hope he's happy with the outcome of it. i always worry when they make documentaries about artists...a director must be very sensitive .